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® Galaxy AF-3400 20 mm Monochrome/RGB Double-face Displays Installation and Operation Manual ED-17987 Rev 0-2 July 2008 201 Daktronics Dr. PO Box 5128 Brookings SD 57006 Tel: 866-343-3122 or 605-697-4300 Fax: 605-697-4444 www.daktronics.com email: helpdesk@daktronics.com...
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– graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without written permission of the publisher. ® Galaxy is a registered trademark of Daktronics, Inc. All others are trademarks of their respective companies.
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Reproduction Reference ED-17987 – P1411 ® Display Manual; Galaxy AF-3400 - 20mm – Mono/RGB Double-face 1) This page is for reproduction reference only and will not be included in the manual. 2) This manual is to be copied on FRONT AND BACK PAGES -8 ½ x 11 paper. Note: The first page, Cover Page, uses the front of the page (blank on back).
Section 1: Overview of the Displays ® Daktronics Galaxy displays are built for long life and easy maintenance. To ensure the optimal performance of the display, this manual provides information on installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. Diagnostic and parts replacement information are also included within these sections.
Display terminology is illustrated in Figure 2. The diagram in Figure 3 gives an overview of the basic display set-up. These diagrams will help in the understanding the information in this display manual. Figure 2: Display Terminology Figure 3: Basic Display Set-up Overview of the Displays...
If any modifications are made, detailed drawings of the changes must be submitted to Daktronics for evaluation and approval, or the warranty may be void. Daktronics is not responsible for installations or the structural integrity of support structures done by others.
Pre-installation Checklist Verify the following before proceeding with installation: • The display is in good condition after shipping and uncrating. • A straight and square mounting structure is provided for the display. Height variation in any four-foot horizontal section may not exceed ¼-inch. •...
Display Mounting To mount the display, follow these steps. For additional information, refer to the quick guide ED-17986 and to Drawing B-310431. 1. Verify the distance between sign mounting poles. Consult the chart on Drawing B- 310431 for dimensions. 2. Drill into the poles at the designated places to provide access for power and signal cables.
Power Installation Read the Mechanical, Power, and Signal Installation sections before installing the display(s). • Only a qualified individual should terminate power and signal cable at this Daktronics display. • All proposed changes must be approved by Daktronics engineering staff or the warranty will be rendered null and void.
9. The signal quick-connect cable from the enclosure to the display is routed into the shrouding on the left end of the display cabinet. Note: Daktronics strongly recommends that the quick-connect cable be secured to protect it from weather and vandalism.
National Electric Code may be used. • Resistance to ground 10 ohms or less: This is required by Daktronics for proper display performance. If the resistance to ground is higher than 10 ohms, it will be necessary to install additional grounding electrodes to reduce the resistance. The grounding electrode should be installed within 25 feet of the base of the display.
Power Connection Two options are possible for terminating power to the display, depending on the size of the display (Figure 7). Installation instructions for both are provided in this section. Option 1 - J-box: use the power termination enclosure on the end of the cabinet. Option 2 - Direct: use provided 3/4"...
Option 1: J-box Termination 1. Route power cable through the sign pole to the right end of the display (Figure 8). 2. The power termination enclosure will contain two or three wires plus a ground coming from the interior of the display. These wires are pre-terminated to the power termination panel inside the display.
Option 2: Direct Termination 1. Refer to the Schematic drawing for the specific display size (in Appendix A) to locate the power termination panel in the lower right corner of the cabinet (Figure 8). 2. Remove the module in front of the power termination panel as explained in Section 6.1. 3.
Note: Power supplies are preset to proper voltage levels. Depending on the pixel count and LED color, either 3.6 VDC or 5.3 VDC power supplies are used to power the modules. Contact Daktronics Customer Service for correct voltage settings. Power Installation...
Modem ED-14744 Note: These are the standard communication types. However, each site is unique and may include additional equipment. If problems arise, contact the display’s seller, service company, or Daktronics Customer Service. Each of these communication types will terminate to the location shown in Figure 17.
RS-422 Communication If the communication system is RS-422, look for: • a signal converter near the computer. • wires from the signal converter connecting to an enclosure at the display. Figure 18: RS-422 Communication Layout Connections • Computer to signal converter − six-foot serial cable with 9-pin plug connecting to computer port or USB adaptor and 25-pin plug connecting to the signal converter at J1, RS232 IN.
Fiber Optic Communication If the communication system is fiber optic, look for: • a signal converter near the computer. • fiber-optic cables connecting the signal converter to an enclosure at the display. Figure 19: Fiber Serial Communication Layout Connections • Computer to signal converter −...
Radio Communication If the communication system is radio, look for: • a radio j-box near the computer. • a server radio outside the building and a second radio at the display. Figure 20: Radio Communication Layout Connections • Computer to radio j-box − six-foot cable with 9-pin plugs on both ends, one connecting to computer port or USB adaptor and the other plug connecting to radio j-box at “DB9 Female V1500 PC Connect”.
RS-232 Communication If the communication system is RS-232, look for: • no indoor connectors. • one enclosure at the display. This communication type is designed to work over short distances and typically connects to an indoor display. Figure 21: RS-232 Communication Layout Connections •...
Ethernet Communication If the communication system is Ethernet, look for: • a network card in the computer connecting to a network switch. • a network jack similar to an oversized phone jack. Figure 22: Ethernet Communication Layout Connections • Computer to network − RJ45 cable from computer port to network server in building. •...
Fiber Ethernet Communication If the communication system is fiber Ethernet, look for: • an indoor media converter connected to the network and to fiber cable. • a second media converter outdoors located in an enclosure at the display. Figure 23: Fiber Ethernet Communication Layout Connections •...
Ethernet Bridge Radio Communication If the communication system is a wireless Ethernet bridge radio, look for: • a DC injector connected to the network, server radio, and a 120 VAC outlet. • a server (transmitter) radio mounted on the building and a client (receiver) radio at the display.
Modem Communication If the communication system works with a modem, look for: • a modem (internal or external) at the computer that connects to a phone jack. • a phone line connects to the display. Figure 25: Modem Communication Layout Connections •...
Section 5: Start-up Procedure Before starting up the display, go over this checklist to ensure that all parts are ready to operate correctly. Figure 26 shows the basic display components referred to in each step. Start-up Checklist Is power connected to the display? The power conduit will leave the display from the right end of Face A and connect to a power source either on the display structure or inside a building.
Start-up Sequence Each time the display is turned on, an initialization sequence will run. The information in the second column will then be shown on the display. Note: The Xs refer to numbers that may vary for each display, such as the hardware address. Topic Information shown •...
Qualified service personnel must make any access to internal display electronics. • The Daktronics engineering staff must approve ANY changes made to the display. Before altering the display, detailed drawings for the proposed modifications must be submitted to the Daktronics engineering staff for evaluation and approval or the warranty will be rendered null and void.
Display Access To gain access to the interior of a display, single modules are able to be removed. Refer to Figure 27 to locate the internal components which may need to be accessed. In the case of fans, consult the Shop Drawing for the display size. The module in front of the specific component may be removed to perform maintenance or for troubleshooting.
Ventilation System/ Fans Frequency of Inspection Ventilation fans are located on the bottom of the display. They pull air into the cabinet from the lower vent, exhausting it out the top vent (Figure 30). Fans should be checked every time the display is opened for service or at a minimum of annually.
• Do not modify the display structure or attach any panels or coverings to the display without written consent of Daktronics. Controller Diagnostics The controller is located in the left end of Face A, second row from bottom, as labeled in Figure 32.
Note that some LEDs, such as “Run” and “Receive signal”, have the same number. This occurs because the controller includes two layers of circuit board which are not easily shown in an illustration. Be sure to note the name as well as the number of the LED when looking at the diagnostics chart.
Troubleshooting Display Problems This section contains some symptoms that may be encountered in the displays. This list does not include every possible symptom or solution but does represent common situations and simple steps to resolve them. The solutions are given in priority order so try the first solution first.
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One row of modules is not working or shows a distorted message • Check/replace the ribbon cables to and from the first non-working module. • Check for bent pins on the jack going to a non-working module. • Move or replace the modules that show distorted text. •...
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Note: This procedure must be done for each primary display being tested. Before calling for help Steps to take before calling Daktronics Customer Service: 1. Turn off the power breaker switch. Wait a few minutes and turn it back on. Have someone watch the display(s) to make sure that the initialization sequence runs.
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This chart is also provided inside the front cover of this manual for easy reference. Information needed for technicians Fill in the blank and/or Customer Service Location address of the display: Model number of the display: AF-3400 20 mm Double-face Version of software being used: (Right-click on Venus 1500 name in toolbar, choose “About Venus 1500”)
® reliability, easy maintenance, and long life. However, on occasion, parts may need to be replaced. Section 9 provides information on obtaining replacement parts from Daktronics. Sections 8.3 and 8.4 include information on the connectors and terms mentioned in replacement instructions.
The following table contains some of the items that may need to be replaced in a display over a period of time. If a circuit board or assembly is not listed in the Replacement Parts List, look at the label attached to the part to find the part number.
Module Replacement If LEDs have failed, do not attempt to replace individual LEDs. Return a failed module to Daktronics for replacement and/or repair. Each module may be removed separately without moving other components of the display. 1. Turn off power to the display.
Controller Replacement Complete the following steps to remove the controller from the display: Tools required: 1/8" hex wrench and 3/16" nut driver 1. Turn off power to the display. 2. Remove the module in front of the controller in the upper left corner of Face A. 3.
Power Supply Replacement The modules in a display rely on power supplies that receive 120 VAC from the power termination panel and send out DC power to the modules. Power supply voltage differs depending on the LED color of the display. •...
Light Sensor The light sensor assembly is mounted inside the top left corner of Face A. Refer to Figure 36 for the location. The entire assembly fits over two screws. If the light sensor should fail, only the circuit board needs to be replaced (Figure 43). Remove the top left module on Face A to access the light sensor.
Temperature Sensor The temperature component is a small sensor board inside a plastic housing (Figure 44). This will be mounted outside, typically either near the display or near a building. If the temperature sensor is not working correctly, the internal sensor can be replaced by accessing it in the following steps: 1.
Common Power and Signal Connectors When pulling a connector plug from a jack, do not pull on the wire or cable; pull on the plug head itself. Pulling on the wires may damage the connector. The power and communication signal connections in the displays use many different types of connectors.
Driver/LED Board: The components of a module. The driver board is responsible for the on/off and intensity levels of the LEDs. Galaxy : Name given to Daktronics LED matrix displays that can be monochrome, tri-color, ® or RGB. LED (Light Emitting Diode): A low energy, high intensity lighting unit.
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Pixel: A single LED. The number and color of the LEDs will depend on display application. Venus 1500: Daktronics software that is used on the control computer to communicate with the displays. This software can create messages and send them to the displays, schedule messages, and perform diagnostics.
Daktronics' unique Exchange Program is a quick, economical service for replacing key parts in need of repair. If a part requires repair or replacement, Daktronics sends the customer a replacement, and the customer sends the problem part to Daktronics. This decreases display downtime.
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Repair & Return Program For items not subject to exchange, Daktronics offers a Repair & Return Program. To send a part for repair, follow these steps. 1. Call or fax Daktronics Customer Service: Phone: 866-343-3122 Fax: 605-697-4444 2. Receive a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number before shipping.
Appendix A: Reference Drawings Following are drawings included in this appendix. Note that the drawings differ between monochrome and RGB displays. Be sure to refer to the correct drawing for the specific display. Schematic, Power Supply Configurations (A-1577) ..........Drawing A-211978 Schematic, Power Supply Configurations (A-1620) ..........